Outlander Books In Order

Publication Order of Outlander Books

Publication Order of Outlander Short Stories Books

Publication Order of Outlander Collections

Publication Order of Outlander Graphic Novels

Publication Order of Outlander Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Outlander Companion Books

The Outlander series in the creation of American author Diana Gabaldon. The series of novels cannot be placed into a single genre. They are a mix of historical fiction, high romance and science fiction/ fantasy.

The stories revolve around 20th century nurse Claire Randall. Claire time travels back to the 18th century Scotland. While in the past Claire falls for James Fraser, thus complicating matter and she is torn between the life she left and the one she is living in the past.

Claire Randall: Sassenach

Sassenach is a term used in 18th century Scotland to describe an Outlander. During the 1740’s Scotland was a land in turmoil. War raged among the clans and the land was ripe with deceit and dysfunction. This is the world to which Claire Randall, a nurse from the 1940’s is thrown into. Carrying medical advanced medical knowledge, strange dress and a mysterious background she is seen as a stranger, or Outlander. There is much to worry about when Claire first travels and finds herself 200 years in the past; but she adapts and finds happiness in the past.

Outlander: The adventure begins

Author Diana Gabaldon has stated that she wrote the first novel in the series as a learning experience. She wanted to find out if she could finish a novel, enjoyed the process and if she wanted writing to be her future career. Luckily for fans of the series, she decided to pursue a career as an author. Gabaldon has created a romantic work that is historically accurate, has a great set of believable characters and contains elements of science fiction and fantasy genres.

The tale begins in Inverness in 1945, Claire and her husband Frank Randall are on a second honeymoon after having been separated by World War II. They are combining the trip with study as Frank has a desire to dig into his families history, particularly an ancestor name “Black Jack” Randall. Most of Frank’s days are spent pouring over old documents, Claire, who does not share this historical passion, spends a fair amount of time walking and plant gathering as she in an amateur botanist. During her walks she discovers a set of standing stones and tell her husband, he shows a keen interest in the stones. Their interest is further heightened when the discover that a pagan ritual is rumored to be held there. The couple wake in the early morning and view the ritual from a concealed position. Claire returns the next day to collect some plant samples she has seen the previous day. She hears a strange buzzing sound coming from the stones and goes to investigate. Claire faints and wakes up in the same place, but things have changed.

She meets a man who resembles her husband very closely and names himself as Captain Randall, the ancestor her husband was interested in. He is shocked by her clothing and the fact that she is alone. As he prepares to apprehend her, and Scotsman knocks him unconscious. The Scots take her is where she quickly shows her worth by relocating the shoulder of a young clan member.

Jamie Mackenzie Fraser: The love in the past

As luck would have it the young man whose shoulder was successfully mended was Jamie Fraser. What ensues is a classic love story, with the exception that one one the lovers has 200 years of innovation and knowledge. The two are forced into an arranged marriage for safety reasons, although Claire agrees that he is the most suitable candidate in 18th century Scotland.

The pair begin to develop deep feelings for one another as they travel together. There is to be no peace for the couple however, and Claire is tormented by the thought of the man she left in the future. Eventually she divulges her entire story to Jamie, who believes her. They return to the standing stones, with the idea of Claire returning to 1945. Jamie offers to wait one day while she decides. In the end Claire decides that her love for Jamie is true and she remains in the 18th century.

This is but the tip of the iceberg in the first novel of this epic tale. The characters, both primary and secondary, are rich in detail and personality. The images of 18th century Scotland are precise and quickly immerse you in a time gone by. This point is made even more poignant as the reader can relate to the Outlander Claire, whose knowledge and experience closely resemble those of the modern reader.

Part of a bigger picture

Although Gabaldon says that the Outlander series is made up of stand alone stories, readers interested in getting the true scope of the work would be well served by reading all the tomes in order. The story lines flow from one book to the next and together they form and epic tale that is rich in both settings, characters and historical events. This grandeur is one of the aspects that make Outlander shine.

Television

Starz network has bought the rights to the Outlander series and is on board for at least a 16 episode run. The series was filmed in the fall of 2013 and is expected to be released in the spring of 2014.

Continuing the Saga

The story is not about to end soon. There is another tome set to be released in the spring of 2014 and the adventures of the time traveling nurse and her love are far from over. This time traveling aspect allows the reader to get very different feelings from one novel to the next. The connection with modern times is easy enough, but this connection is maintained in the past as placing the protagonist in a modern setting solidifies the readers connection to them. Furthermore there are many references to great historical moments in history, like the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 or even the American Revolution. These events are portrayed through the eyes of believable characters who are experiencing them first hand. This truly makes history come alive and makes the series much more than a simple love story. The Outlander series is a gem and a innovative way to approach the historical fiction, romance and fantasy genre. With the creation of a television series the popularity will surely soar.

4 Responses to “Outlander”

1. Louisa Atsas: 1 year ago

   I don’t know how I missed OUTLANDER all these years. I discovered it this year – the series that is. I love stories about time travel and I saw a preview of it which drew me in. I am on the fourth round of watching all that is out. I have seen 7 seasons – up to episode 8 that is. I am about to start reading the books. Thank you Diana.

   Reply
2. Marge Marino: 2 years ago

   I am into Go Tell The Bees…and I find it way too long. There is too much detail, although I appreciate your research, too many characters, too many plot lines. I am on page 817 and do not se a denouement coming any time soon. It has been a plodding effort. I enjoyed the other books in the series, but fear I may expire due to my age before I finish the book.

   Reply
3. Jerry Smith: 2 years ago

   I’m so enthralled with the series and characters and love the actors assigned to the characters. I’ve order the set of books and have seen all of the episodes of the six seasons. I’ve now started again…I love Claire and Jamie and the Scot history.
   What a series !!!! Thank you all.

   Look forward to the rest of season six AND season 7……

   kindest regards,
   Jerry Smith, Fredericksburg, Texas…. 80 years old and born in the wrong time !!!

   Reply
4. Paula Nielsen: 3 years ago

   I am thoroughly hooked on Outlander. Thank you Diana.

   Reply